Rights of way are minor public highways that exist for the benefit of the community at large. They are the most widely recognised facility that gives the public the opportunity to enjoy the local countryside.
There are three forms of public rights of way:
- Public footpaths: for pedestrians only
- Public bridleways: for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists
- Public byways: for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and motorised vehicles, subject to the character of the way.
If you would like to find out if a path is a public right of way call the Rights of Way officer on 01495 235092 or email engineering@caerphilly.gov.uk.
Alternatively you can refer to the Definitive Map, which is the official legal record of public rights of way, which are available for inspection, during office hours, at the council Offices, Pontllanfraith.
Have your say
A questionnaire was circulated to the public in 2005 to find out how we can make it easier for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those who are authorised to drive motor vehicles to enjoy the countryside.
The Countryside Council for Wales has produced a leaflet 'Have your Say on Rights of Way' and the council would like to hear from anyone who did not take part in the 2005 questionnaire and wishes to provide comments.
Have your Say on Rights of Way (PDF 4.0mb)
If you wish to give your views or make suggestions for improvements to local routes, please call the Rights of Way Officer on 01495 235092 or email engineering@caerphilly.gov.uk.
Rights of Way Improvement Plan
The plan sets out the council's rights of way strategy for the next 10 years and it aims to provide local communities and visitors with a sustainable opportunity to enjoy the countryside in their close locality. The plan complements the council's wider objectives for access for all to the countryside within the County Borough and neighbouring councils.
The plan details the council's ambitions and objectives to improve its rights of way network and includes an action plan to deliver these improvements. Seeking and securing additional funding that may be made available by the Welsh Government and/or other funding bodies which will be a vital component of the plan to undertake improvements to the Rights of Way network and invest in additional resources where required.
The plan will focus upon the legal network of paths registered in the definitive map and statement. It will complement and interact with other key Council Policy documents, raise the profile of the rights of way network, identify areas where continued improvement is required and ensure continual assessment of the demands placed upon the network by its users.
Rights of Way Improvement Plan (PDF 3.2mb)
Section 1: Introduction (PDF 92kb)
Section 2: Vision Statement (PDF 44kb)
Section 3: Rights of Way Improvement Plan process (PDF 168kb)
Section 4: The Assessment (PDF 263kb)
Section 5: Promotion and Communication (PDF 404kb)
Section 6: Rights of Way Improvement Plan partnership working (PDF 163kb)
Section 7: Statement of Action and associated costs (PDF 233kb)
Appendices (PDF 2.6mb)
Useful Web links
British Horse Society
Safe Access for Equestrians (SAFE)
Ramblers Walking Forum
The Ramblers Association
Darren Valley Ramblers
Gelligaer Ramblers
Islwyn Ramblers